Category: Fitness

Increase Your Speed Reserve Running a marathon using speed variations is valuable. Imagine running the marathon without cracking and with all the pleasure of doing it below your average speed for almost 2/3 of the race. If you...

Some things to do if you experience cramps while on the bike If you experience cramps, a shotgun approach usually works best (also see Chris Carmichaels article in September 2013 issue of Road Bike Action). Reduce your...

Electrolytes and Nutrients involved in Muscle Cramps Nitric Oxide Recent research suggests that a component of muscle cramps may be related to nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels and much more. Nitric oxide is abundant in...

Muscle Cramps and Cycling Pros vs. the Joes Everyone develops cramps at some point. So why do the pros cramp less than the amateurs? It may seem obvious, they receive bottles from the car and massages, but there’s more to the...

The leading ideas about the cause of cramps revolve around dehydration, electrolytes, and nerves. The Dehydration Proposal You just need more fluids, but studies have shown that athletes who cramped or did not, had zero...

First come the little pangs and twinges, followed by involuntary twitches, then 20 minutes later full blown jerking muscle contractions as if you were sprinting, but you are not. Your muscles balled tightly in knots. An eternity...

Road Bike Action (RBA) Interview from World Masters Champion Mark Sommers (MS). Mark Sommers is now 62 years old and exemplifies what it means to be cycling after 50 years old. He is still very active in cycling and practices...

Competition at 50 and Beyond If you are healthy and your medical exams check out, then do not hesitate to get out there and race. Certainly, with age we are not as brave as we once were. Cycling gives you a chance to be...

Endurance Though some 50-year old’s have been cycling for decades, most just picked up the sport. Endurance is a quality that takes years of riding to develop. Often, the older cyclists do better in century rides because they...

DK 200 Survival Tips How best to avoid & deal with hydration at the Dirty Kanza Riding a bicycle 200 miles on gravel is not something to be taken lightly. If everything goes well, you might ride across the finish line...

Bike Fit and Choosing a Bicycle You spent $3000 on your bicycle, so don’t ignore the investment to get a professional bike fit. Use a reputable professional, especially one who understands older cyclists. Even small changes can...

Neurological Nerves Hand numbness (ulnar neuropathy) is common in cycling and can be prevented. A proper bike fit and taking measures to decrease vibration are paramount. Double taping the handlebars, tubeless tires, and running...